Obstetrical harness



(No Model.)

W. A. OONANT.

I OBSTETRIOAL HARNESS. No. 447,870. 'Patented Mar. 10,1891.

UNITED TATES ATENT FFICE'.

OBSTETRICAL HARNESS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 447,870, dated. March10, 1891. Application filed February 6, 1889. Renewed September 8, 1890.Serial No. 864,224. (No model.)

To aZZ whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM A. CoNANT, a citizen of the United States,residing at Paw Paw Grove, in the county of Lee and State of Illinois,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in ObstetricalHarness, of which the following is a specification, reference being hadtherein to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to an improvement in obstetrical supporters orharness; and it consists in the construction and arrangement of partshereinafter described and claimed.

The object of my invention is to provide a simple, efficient, anddurable harness for obstetrical purposes. I attain this object by thedevice illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like letters ofreference indicate corresponding parts in the several views, and inwhich Figure l is a perspective view of my harness, and Fig. 2 is a topview.

In the drawings, A represents a belt or waistband constructed of a broadband with tapering ends. The width of the band is essential to preventinjury to the back. Secured to the tapering ends of the band A arestraps or stirrups B, formed of an unyielding material. They areextended down or forward for some distance, and are then turned andcarried back to a point in easy reach of the patients hands. The ends ofthese stirrups are looped, as at b, the loops being adapted to beincreased or diminished in size to adjust the harness to different-sizedpersons. The ends of the straps B have buckles or clasps b thereon,which are passed over the strap to retain the loops or handles in theadjusted positions.

In the fold of the straps B at the forward end are placed sandals orrests C for the feet, the under sides of which are provided withlubricated or anti-friction grooves c, in which the straps are placed,thereby allowing an easy movement of the straps back or forth, as thecase may be.

To support the band A and to retain it in its adjusted position,suspenders D are attached to its upper edge, which are adapted to beplaced over the shoulder. They are preferably crossed in front. By thisconstruction it will be readily seen that a very simple tended, the beltA fitting across the back 6 above the hips and the suspenders retainingit in place, so that the exertions of the patient presses the childforward.

As the most satisfactory results are attained when the pressure isbrought to bear on the back of the patient, I have constructed myharness so that both the pull of the arms and the push of the legsexerted on the stirrups are transmitted to the belt and back, thearrangement of the foot-rests in the fold of the straps permitting theaccomplishment of this result by the straps slipping easily over them.

When it is desired and necessary to bring more pressure on the abdomen,it is only necessary to cross the stirrup-straps, and thus bring theends of the belt closer together.

I am aware that many minor changes in the construction and arrangementof the parts of my device can be made and substituted for those shownand described. without in the least departing from the nature andprinciple of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is'- The obstetrical device herein described,consisting of the broad belt, as A,'having the stirrup-straps B securedto its respective ends, said straps extending around the feet of thepatient back to a point within reach of the hands, the parallel portionsbeing unconnected to permit of their free movement over the feet, andfoot-rests, as O, loosely held in the folds of the straps and providedwith antifriction grooves or guides on their outer faces 'to retain thestraps in place and permit their easy movement over the same,substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I aflixmy signature in

